...

Florida and Bahamas
Trip Winter 2016-2017 - 1-31 January 2017

Updates thru 31 January 2017 below or review November or December using tabs above

1 January 2017

The start of January. It is a football day. Pat Frappier left today by plane for home as
she was just having too many issues with sea sickness. So, there are six of us left for the rest
of the trip; Carey and I and Gary and Nancy on Apolonia (along with our two dogs Hambone and Maddy) and
Bob and Gail Mayer on Gailwinds. We really did relax today. Last night was a party! On board
after an afternoon at the beach, Nancy and Carey fixed baked
chicken, rice and salad for dinner. Good comfort food getting us
ready for bed. Happy New Year to everyone. We wish you the best
for 2017. I'll pass on two pictures left over from 2016;
another picture
of Apolonia making her way to her West End Old Bahama Bay slip
on Thursday and Gary
on his pink bicycle as he road from West End to the first Bahamian settlement
south of West End the other day. Bob and Gail took the picture
of Apolonia as they arrived well before us last Thursday.
Tomorrow we'll take a "chore" day ... definitely not a work day,
then head out on Tuesday for Green Turtle Cay in the Grand
Abacos, stopping part way at Great Sale Cay to anchor for the
evening.

Apolonia headed to Old Bahama Bay slip

Gary on his bike

2 January 2017

Monday morning and we're really quiet. Gary and I worked a few chores; checking the operation of
the trim tabs and we bleed the hydraulic steering system as we felt it was a bit eratic
on the transit over from Flordia. It did need a bit of fluid and we bleed some air out of the system.
Hopefully this will help the steering system operation. At the end of the day all six of the people on
the trip (Bob, Gail, Gary Nancy, Phil and Carey) gathered on Apolonia for a dinner of pork and left overs.
It was a great meal. Tomorrow we're off for Great Sale Cay to anchor, almost halfway to Green Turtle Cay.

3 January 2017

Interesting day! Engine check showed I had a leak in the raw water system for the generator. It took
an hour to fix with a piece of plastic, rubber tape and a wire tie. We'll do the
permanent fix once at a marina. Underway at 10 AM we suffered 4 foot seas for 1 mile from West End to the Grand
Bahamian Bank in the Atlantic Ocean. A wild ride ... lots of furniture movement. Safely
on the bank after the mile wide ride, we traveled quietly at 10 mph to Great Sale where we are rafted together for the evening.
Carey fixed a great Mexican meal added to by Gail's devil's eggs. It just can't get better. Here are a few pictures.

Taking the dogs for a walk at Great Sale Cay

The Dinghy unloading with Bob's help.

Gary

The Dinghy

The boats looking south

Boats Rafted

Gailwinds bow

Yep ... a duplicate picture

Looking between boats

4 January 2017

Up on time, Gary and I took the dogs in for their constitutional, we untied Bob and Gail, raised
our anchor and both boats were then underway for Green Turtle Cay, a 55 mile trip. Beautiful weather
and we cruised at 10 knots all day long, arriving in Black Sound, Green Turtle Cay at 3 PM. Just after
arrival a squall showered us with rain and lighting. The Cay lost power for an hour and we all gathered
on Gailwinds for cocktails. The power was restored by dinner and we ate at the Leeward Yacht Center, where
we are moored for the evening. Simply fantastic food. We're now back on board relaxing. We'll tour the
Cay tomorrow on some golf carts.

Gary on the bow enjoying the weather

Entering Black Sound Channel

Continuing to the LeewardYacht Center

The crowd at dinnerLeeward Yacht
Center

Evening view of Leeward Yacht Center

Gail and Nancy enjoying the "best"
chocolate bread pudding

5 January 2017

Beautiful start to the day ... light winds and sunshine ... and this was first night since leaving
Florida 29 December that we slept with air conditioning. There was no electricity at West End and we don't run
the generator while sleeping, which is required for air conditioning. The night before last we rafted at Great Sale
and again did not run the generator while sleeping. So last night was a nice relief with cool air conditioning. The six
of us rented two golf carts and toured the Cay, eating lunch at Tranquil Turtle, a beach side restaurant. After a little rest we
started a run on the local bars and restaurants. Pineaples, followed by Miss Emily's and finally Laures kitchen
where we ate good asian food. Gary and I went shopping in the afternoon for some needed supplies and were lucky to find a replacement
toilet seat that had broken, some JB weld we need to repair a small leak. All in all, a great day. We'll probably
stay a while longer here. We're enjoying.

Small roads in Green Turtle Cay

Swimming pool at Pineapples bar

Foilage on the Cay (Island)

The bar at Tranquail Turtle

The beach at Tranquail Turtle bar

Gail and Bob on beach

Our driver, Gary, in the golf cart

Skinny roads in Green Turtle Cay

Bob getting off Gailwinds

Bob and Gail on the Cart tour ride

Pineapples bar

Beautiful sunset

The pasted walls at Emily's

The group at Laures Asian restaurant

Nancy with a young child at Laures

6 January 2017

Another beautiful day in the Abacos, Bahamas. Gary and I washed the boat, Carey cleaned the
inside, and then we all relaxed. Carey and I stayed at Leward Yacht Club, eating at their restaurant
and then came back to the boat for reading and relaxing. Bob, Gail, Gary and Nancy took the golf cart
(we went to one for the 6 of us) and did some more touring. Later this evening the six of us
went to McIntosh's restaurant for their lobster special ... have it one of 12 different ways!
Great meal. We're now on board and plan to sleep tight ... storm coming tomorrow so we will hunker down for
a few days. Loving it!

The gang at McIntosh's restaurant for lobster special

Bob and Nancy

And Bob slinking down when the short people
jokes started

Lobster dinner with mac and cheese and
rice and peas

The pier from the boat to landat
Leward Yacht Club

Apolonia at end of pier

7 January 2017

Storm is a coming! We are expecting lots of wind and rain this afternoon and evening. We are tied safely
to the dock at Leward Yacht Club, bow to bow with Gail Winds. Mostly a quiet day today with a few chores getting done
with a quick trip to the grocery store. After watching the first NFL play-off game Gail and Bob joined us on Apolonia
and we had a joint dinner. Nancy fixed chili-mac and Gail brought chicken parmesan. We enjoyed the entrees and settled
in to watch the Seahawks and Lions play some football. The front came through at dinner time. It passed quickly and the
rain is now gone and the wind is much lower than originally predicted.
All is good! No pictures tonight.

8 January 2017

Up to windy conditions. We'll be here a while ... wind above 20 knots and predicted to be so
for a number of days. We did our daily chores, but had time to join gracious hosts Bob and Gail Mayer
on Gail Winds for a sausage and gravy breakfast ... and more ... as Gail cooked a surf and turf meal
in the evening after the
two NFL games ... steak and salmon. We hardly discussed the first NFL game as the powerful Steelers overpowered
the Dolphins. But I needed my crying towel as we discussed the Packers win over the Giants. I like both teams
but was really hoping the Giants would prevail. Shame that they did not!

Breakfast on Gailwinds this morning

Hosts Bob and Gail for Surf and Turf on Gailwinds this evening

Gail watching the Packers kick b--- with my crying towel on her shoulder

Phil using the crying towel as the Giants lost to the Packers

9 January 2017

Up to windy conditions again. Checking the forecast it appears we'll be here another week. To get to
the other parts of the Abacos we must go out in the Ocean around Whale Cay --- just 2 miles --- but the
Ocean can pile 9 foot waves into the Whale Inlet making it unsafe. So we wait for a good day. Winds are
predicted to be above 20 for the next week so we'll stay put and enjoy Green Turtle Cay. It's worth the
time to explore so we'll do it. We walked, read, and relaxed today.
Tomorrow Apolonia will move to Donnie's Marina while Gailwinds
will stay at Leeward Yacht Club. Donnie's is a favorite of
ours and a bit less expensive but does not have the power that
Gailwinds needs. We'll be within 1 mile of each other but
at different venues for the next few days. This evening Carey was the cook and she
fixed the six of us Shrimp Scampi, with Gail providing green beans. With three great cooks
in the group ... Gail, Nancy and
Carey ... we just can't get a bad meal. We're now settled in with the guys watching the College Football Championship games.

The gang at dinner on Apolonia

Bob and Carey at dinner

Gary and Nancy at dinner

10 January 2017

Changes today. Yep, we know we will be here a while. Apolonia moved to Donnie's Marina in the southern end of
Black Sound and Gailwinds stayed at Leeward Yacht Club. The afternoon was quiet and relaxing but the wind was blowing
at 20+. Bob and Gail joined us on Apolonia for afternoon cocktails and later they took us on their golf cart to
McIntosh's where we had dinner. Now safely on board we're resting for the next events at Green Turtle Cay.
Donnie's marina is a laid back marina for cruisers. The
power issues stopped Gailwinds from joining but we are still in
close proximity and enjoying each others company.

Donnie's Marina grounds

Donnie's Dock

And he rents boats

Large catamaran at Donnie's

Boats on mooring buoys

Bob, Gary and Gail on Apolonia for cocktails

Gail and Nancy

Gary, Carey and Nancyat McIntosh's
restaurant

..

11 January 2017

Another easy day. Bob and Gail rented a golf cart, did some shopping and laundry. Gary
and Nancy toured the island a bit. Carey and I relaxed on board. We're ready for the winds
to die down so we can move on. We'll watch the forecast and cross our fingers.

12 January 2017

Up to a bit of wind but sunshine and 75+ temperatures. We read and relaxed. We rented
a golf cart and drove to White Sound Buff Point Beach restaurant for lunch, after visiting with
Bob and Gail. They were up to chores and work. We were up to
playing today. Later in the day the six of us went to Harvey's Island
Grill for dinner. A fine dinner it was. We are now back on board still hoping for light winds prior
to next Wednesday.

Hambone and Maddy ready to come into the salon

A beach front viewat White Sound,
Green Turtle

Sea of Abaco ... water on the bank

More beach front views

Today's transportation

View from Golf Cart

Homes in Green Turtle Cay

Marina in area

Newly paved road in Green Turtle

Nancy at dinner at Harvey's Island Grill

The gang at Island Grill, Green Turtle Cay

Vegetation in area

13 January 2017

Friday the 13th but good things are happening -- the winds are
lower today and predicted to drop to below
10 knots soon. It may be that it will be next Wednesday or Thursday before we can
go around Whale Cay into
the Ocean and back to get to where we are going, but we know it's coming. And the long range forecast is for a full
week of light winds starting next week. Hurrah!!! We mainly relaxed and hunkered down. Bob came over at
6:30 AM so we could listen to the single side band radio (HF -- long range) weather but the reception was
not great. Bob went back home and he and Gail chilled out. Gary and I went to McIntosh's for breakfast --
a great breakfast and even better Bloody Mary. In the afternoon Gary and Nancy took Hambone to the beach for
a run. We're back on board to a pork dinner that is smelling real good right now. Talk to you tomorrow.
Sorry no pictures.

14 January 2017

Great Saturday as the wind continues to subside. Carey and Ann, her best friend talked via Skype and we had a great
day. Sun was shinning. A few chores in the morning, then Bob, Gail, and the four of us had a late lunch at the
Wrecking Tree Restaurant. All this in preps for the two NFL football games this evening. Carey and I took Maddy to the
beach to run and run she did. Gary and Nancy took a long walk on the beach. Carey and I met Bob and Gail at Pineapples, a local
bar on the beach, then all six of us headed to Apolonia for more cocktails. Bob and Gail left for their boat and the four of
us settled in to watch the games and have left overs --- spaghetti! What more could you ask for.

Boaters working on the docks at Donnie's

Many sailboats at Donnie's

View from New Plymouth settlement to bay

Conch frittersat Wrecking Tree

Bob and Gail at Wrecking Tree Restaurant

Gary and Nancy

Phil and Carey

Local card game

Local grocery

Menu for Wrecking Tree Restaurant

Inter-island ferry boat pulling in to Green Turtle Cay

Busy streets of New Plymouth on GTC

A beautiful bay east of Green Turtle Cay

Carey walking in the water

Maddy running with her ball

Maddy running on the beach

Home in the foliage

Beautiful waterfront area for homes

Foliage around homes on the water

Bob buying a cigar at Pineapples

Landscaping at Pineapples

15 January 2017

Bob texted us at 9 AM with "Bloodie Breakfast?" We agreed and Bob stopped by to get us. We
headed for McIntosh's for the best Bloodie's we've had and a great breakfast. Back to the boats
after breakfast for relaxation. NFL games started at 4:30 PM. Bob and Gail came with food and all six
of us settled in to see the games. Nancy was ready with pom poms to encourage the Cowboys on.
Of course Carey and Gail had those yellow and green Green Bay pom poms! Great fun. We ate on
baked spaghetti and pork and coleslaw -- thanks to Gail and Nancy.

Cocunut Bread French Toast with a Bloodie

Chickens and trash

View to Sea of Abaco

Road around New Plymouth settlement beside the
Sea of Abaco

More views on the road around the New Plymouth
settlement

Local grocery

Boat at dock on Sea of Abaco

Local homes

Some in need of repair

Narrow roads

More views

Welcome to New Plymouth sign

Bob and his golf cart

The Ladies with their Pom Poms

Lazy day on Black Sound Green Turtle Cay

Gail celebrating some great Packers event

Nancy hoping for a Cowboy win

The boat "Sea Turtle" secured at Donnie's Marina

16-17 January 2017

Monday the 16th was a good day ... wind still diminishing. We paid our bill at Donny's Marina and started plans
for leaving Wednesday morning. Nancy made Eggs Benedict for breakfast, Gary and Nancy went for a
long walk on the sandy beach, and I went to Gailwinds to help Bob repair a water hose to the Electro-san
that came loose. Carey did some house hold chores. Easy day. Tuesday we read and drank lots of coffee and helped some boaters at our marina
leave for the states or further south -- good signs that weather
is improving. We rented a golf cart and met Bob and Gail at their boat and
headed for our favorite lunch spot, Tranquil Turtle in White
Sound. We enjoyed the continued Corn Hole tournament between
Gail and Nancy. Nancy won the game today. We are back on the boat, getting ready to move south tomorrow.

Black Sound getting empty as weather improves

Gail and Bob waiting for us at their marina

Roof top patio on local home

Nice beach

Gary walking the beach

What a glass should never be -- empty

What a glass should be -- full

Chicken Taco Salad

Corn Hole Tournament

And more

And more

And the winner today is Nancy

Bob and Gail following us in their golf cart

Maddy on board the back deck

Hambone relaxing

18 January 2017

Up to light winds and plenty of sunshine. We were ready to move to Marsh Harbor for a few days.
Underway at 10 AM with Gailwinds, we traveled 20 miles to Marsh Harbor. We went out in the Atlantic at
Whale Cay and then back into the Sea of Abaco. The three miles out in the Ocean
were nice, gentle
rolling two foot seas with no chop. We then traveled on flat seas to Marsh Harbor. After
tying up
we went to Curly Tails restaurant for a late lunch, then later made a stop at Snappa's for a light dinner.
Great day and we're ready to enjoy a new area of the Abacos.
After the pictures you will see a video that tries to provide a
sense of the motion of the boat in the two foot seas in the
Atlantic Ocean.

People at Donnie's Marina getting ready to leave to go south

Gary getting trash off the boat

Black Sound getting empty as boats moved south

Gailwinds getting ready for underway

Gary on bow as we leave Black Sound

Sea of Abaco ... very flat

Passing Whale Cay to the Atlantic Ocean

Half dozen sailboats moving around Whale Cay

View into Marsh Harbor anchorage

View from Curley Tails Restaurant

The gang eating lunch

Bob drinking with an umbrella drink,
provided by Nancy

Bob and Gail at Snappa's

Sunset this evening

19 January 2017

Up to light winds and sunshine. Will be 75+ today. I'd scheduled a mechanic for mid morning to review the two
minor issues we've had with the boat --- leak in generator heat exchanger that I have fixed temporarily and an
inoperative fan in the inverter which I fixed by adding a separate fan for cooling. The mechanic
is off trying to get parts and we'll see tomorrow if we are lucky to fix the issues permanently this week. Gary and
I walked into town to see if the computer shops could fix his computer that crashed a few days ago -- no go it
appears. Nancy and Carey did laundry and stopped by Snappas for lunch. Gary and I ate at "Colors by the Sea" that
proved to be very good. After relaxing in the afternoon the gang of six (Bob, Gail, Gary, Nancy, Carey and I) walked to
Abaco Resort at Boat Harbor Marina for cocktails. We met a very unique lady named Angie who was Captain for a cruising
sailboat business. Great stories.

Nancy, Gary and Carey waiting for the rest of us to go
to Abaco Resort

Apolonia berthed at Harbor View Marina

The Wall of Hero's in Marsh Harbor

Some of the Hero's

Abaco Resort Pool

Gary and Gail looking around

Pool side Tiki bar

Bob and Carey

Cat at Boat Harbor that Nancy liked

20 January 2017

Up and planning to move to Hope Town. We did some laundry, bought some wine, and relaxed, reading a
bit. We'll leave for Hope Town tomorrow afternoon. See
you there.

Looking past the flag to waters of Sea of Abaco

Nancy, Bob and Carey on Gailwinds>

21 January 2017

Up to sunshine and low winds, but we know the storm is coming. Steve and Mary Ann Andrews are arriving
this afternoon to join our gang. Carey made a trip in town for replenishment of some necessary items.
Nancy and Gail went shopping and the guys got the boats ready to move to Hope Town. We'll stay there thru
the heavy winds that are expected Sunday through Tuesday. We enjoyed the time at Harbour View
marina and will return.
Over the last several days Michael Jordon, Nicole Kidman, and husband Keith Urban walked the piers as they
hopped aboard the Bakers Bay Ferry Boat (a very fancy 65' motor yacht) that operates out of this marina taking the
rich and famous to the upscale Bakers Bay resort. We pulled out at 11:30 AM and arrived at Hope Town an hour later.
Steve and Mary Ann arrived by ferry in Hope Town just after 4 pm. After cocktails at the Hope Town Inn and Marina, where we
were staying, we took their harbor ferry boat to Harbor Edge restaurant for pizza and other food. Now back on board
we're thinking of the next day's activities.

Gary and Nancy on bow as we arrived Hope Town

Hope Town Lighthouse and boats in the Harbor

Busy Hope Town Inn and Marina

Views around Hope Town Inn and Marina

Boats in Marina

Apolonia in her slip

Gailwinds in her slip

Bob walking to the ferry landing

Steve and Gary

New members of the gang, Steve and Mary Ann with Gail

Our gang eating dinner

The updated gang of 8 -- eatingdinner
and now on the trip!

22 January 2017

We know the storm is coming but we had today to enjoy Hope Town, before the storm arrives on
Monday. The gang on the trip includes eight people; Phil, Carey, Gary
and Nancy on Apolonia and Bob, Gail, Steve and Mary Ann on
Gailwinds. By 10 AM we were on our way via the Hope Town Marina shuttle to
Hope Town proper and a walk about the town. Then we got two golf carts, with a bit of work, as the
golf cart companies are closed on Sundays. We ate at Abaco Inn and used the carts to travel to Tahiti
Beach, then back to Firefly restaurant and then to our boats to watch the Falcons win over the Packers and
the Patriots win over the Steelers. Lopsided football. Bob, Gail, Steve and Mary Ann ate on Gailwinds ... I
think they had steak and baked potatoes. Cary and Nancy fixed us a great football hot dog meal with chili, onions
and baked beans. Fantastic. Great things to see all day,
but the unique part of the day was at Firefly restaurant. I have been
trying to find the well kept secret recipe for Goom Bay Smashes, that were created at Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay by Miss Emily,
the owner.
She passed away a couple of years ago, but the bar still sells Goom Bay Smashes. Many other bars have their
own recipe for the drink, but none match the original. Well, we met a bar tender at Firefly ---
whose name we'll never tell --- who knew Miss
Emily personally and had her recipe. She made us one and ... it was right on! It was
the perfect drink. We promised
to tell no one and she gave us the recipe. Now I have it and you can come see me for one fine drink! We'll now
on board and settled for the evening.

Welcome to Hope Town

Ocean beach off Hope Town

Miniature home in front yard

Mary Ann fanning Steve

Narrow streets

Outside bar area at Abaco Restaurant

Tahiti beach

Bob and Gail walking Tahiti beach

Others walking on the beach

The original Goom Bay Smash at FireFly

Waiting for the shuttle to Hope Town Marina

Gary and Nancy walking down the pier to the shuttle

23 January 2017

The wind is blowing this morning ... and it's raining, really hard! We drank some coffee and watched
the weather pass over us. By 11 AM the rain left us and we decided to take the marina shuttle
to Hope Town for lunch, even with strong winds. After lunch we walked around the town, found
another very nice watering hole to spend a bit of time. Late afternoon we went back to the boats.
Gail went back into Hope Town at 5 PM to play bingo for an hour or so then all of us moved to our separate
boats for dinner. After dinner Gary, Nancy, Carey and I played Farkle, later joined by Bob who we taught
the game to. Good fun. We're now getting ready for bed and tomorrow's activities, whatever they may
be.

The ladies on Marina shuttle, heading for lunch

Shuttle driver John with Steve and
Mary Ann in background

Gary relaxing ... you think

View from Capt Jacks, our restaurant today

Ocean beach at Hope Town Lodge ... notice clouds

Bar area at Hope Town Lodge

Bob at the bar

Steve and Carey at bar

Steve and Mary Ann walking on the beach

24 January 2017

Up and yes, it was windy ... but it was slowing down. Nancy fixed us Bahamian coconut bread
French
toast and bacon. Amazing! A relaxing day ... Gary, Nancy, Steve
and Mary Ann went to the beach while
Bob, Gail, Carey and I relaxed on board. For dinner we went to the Hope Town Lodge .... it
truly is
a 4 star restaurant. Carey and I had Steak Au Poiuve --
excellent -- and others had meals that were the best they have
had in a long time. A fitting end to the day. We're back on board. Tomorrow the winds will be down and
we'll be on our way to Guana Cay and Nippers!!! Hurrah.

On the way to dinner at Hope Town Lodge

Restaurant setting up for the 8 of us

Steve and Mary Ann at Hope Town Hodge

Bob and Gail at Hope Town Lodge

Gary and Nancy at Hope Town Lodge

Three guys talking

Hope Town Light House

Picture of harbor from top of Light House in Hope Town

Gary and Steve at the beach

Houses on the beach

More homes on the beach near Hope Town

Hotel Lodge Bar Tender

25 January 2017

Up to light winds, as per the forecast. We prepared to get underway for
Guana Cay, the
home of Nippers. We were underway by 10:30 AM and had a pleasant 10 mile trip to
Guana. We moored
at Orchid Bay Marina as they had a special on slips of $0.50 per foot. Turns out their wifi is non
existent and their price for electric and water are very high, but still a good deal. We headed
to Nippers for lunch then toured the island on the golf carts followed by a stop at Grabbers on the water.
Nancy and Gail, in a corn hole tournament since the beginning of this trip took on three challengers; Gary and Bob, then
Steve and Mary Ann, and finally Gary and Steve. They won all three games ... they were vicious!!! They could
not be beat. Congratulations to Gail and Nancy. We all headed home after the tournament and ate on board. We're
now settled in and will head to Marsh Harbour tomorrow.

View of the water underway

Streets of Guana Cay

First view of Nippers

Ocean view from Nippers

Mary Ann looking at the Ocean

Another view of Nippers

Steve and Gail

Nancy enjoying another cat

Narrow streets

The corn hole tournament starts

More corn hole action

And more

The last contestants

Corn hole champions ... Gail and Nancy

Pretty view

Gailwinds at her slip

Bob and Gail walking to their boat

At a bar

26 January 2017

Leaving Guana Cay this morning about 11 AM after hanging the WYA burgee at the
hanging tree -- a tree many people hang momentoes.
We arrived Marsh Harbour at 1 PM and settled in for a relaxing
afternoon.
In the evening we went to the Jib Room and joined the Royal Marsh Harbour
Yacht Club at a steak night. Great event and included a limbo
treat and great food. We're now
on board and ready for the next day.

Our gang at Orchid Bay Marina, Guana Cay, Abacos

The hanging tree where many things are "hung" for viewing

Steve getting ready to hang the WYA burgee

Steve posting the burgee

The gang after hanging the burgee

Just the hanging tree and the WYA burgee

The ladies at Jib Room and Steak Night

Rake and Scrape entertainer

The tourists trying the limbo

Another tourist trying the limbo

The real limbo guy getting ready

Limbo lighting cigarette before finishing a
low low limbo

27 January 2017

Second day at Marsh Harbor. We relaxed. Bob, Gail, Steve, Mary Ann, Gary and Nancy
drove to Pete's Pub in Little Harbour in a rental car, buying
Nancy lunch for her birthday. Carey and I stayed on the boat hoping
that the mechanic we hired would find the parts and fix our two minor problems. The parts did
not arrive so no fix. We'll continue with the temporary fix. Not an issue.
To continue Nancy's birthday celebration we went to Wally's, a
great local restaurant. Afterward to Snappas for after
dinner drinks and dancing. This meal also signified Steve
and Mary Ann's last day with us as they have to fly home to w---
tomorrow morning.

Today is Nancy's birthday

Ordering food at Wally's

Hard to decide what to eat

The birthday girl

Singing happy birthday

Nancy enjoying her day

Nancy with our Waitress

Nancy and Gary at Snappas after dinner -- a nightcap
and dancing

Also Steve and Mary Ann's last night with us

28 January 2017

Bob and Gary took Steve and Mary Ann to the airport as they had to fly back home today. We
really enjoyed their visit. Later, Bob took us to the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in his rental car where they were
holding an art exhibit and sale. We looked around and had a bit to eat. The afternoon included doing
laundry and reading for most of us. We ate dinner on board our separate boats and settled in early. We are
moving back to Hope Town for a couple days tomorrow morning. We have another birthday to celebrate
Monday -- Bob's.

Chalk Art at the Art Festival

View from Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina Restaurant

Peaceful afternoon

Boats settled in

29 January 2017

Clouds greeted us this morning ... but we headed for Hope Town anyway. We left Harbour View at 9:30 and arrived
an hour later at Hope Town. Gailwinds took a slip at Hope Town Inn and Marina and Apolonia picked up a mooring buoy.
We'll all six relax today while the rain comes through and tomorrow we'll celebrate Bob's birthday at Hope Town Harbor Lodge.
On Tuesday we'd head for Treasure Cay where Bob can play a game of golf.

Dinghy astern of Apolonia on mooring buoy at
Hope Town, close to shore

Boats on mooring balls in Hope Town Harbour

More boats on mooring balls

Shore area near Apolonia on mooring

It's raining ... yep does happenin the
Bahamas

Gary with Hambone and Nancy on back deck

30 January 2017

Winds much less than predicted and more sun then we expected. Relaxed on board in the AM, then all six
of us had lunch at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge Bar by the pool. Bob, Gail, Gary and Nancy walked the beach
in the afternoon while Phil and Carey walked the town. Nice day, and the best was helping Bob celebrate
his 68th birthday at Hope Town Harbour Lodge restaurant for an
evening meal where they serve the very best food. Bob arranged
for the Hope Town Inn and Marina shuttle, where Gailwinds is staying, to pick the 4 of us up at Apolonia where
we were staying on a buoy. At dinner presents were given ... from the Bolin's a cup and from the Vineyards a
Hope Town Lighthouse T-shirt and card. Great fun. Now back on board getting ready to go to Treasure Cay tomorrow.

Pretty picnic boat around Hope Town harbor

Bob displaying birthday cup whose handle broke
getting to party

Bob and Nancy

Phil and Carey

Boats in Hope Town Harbour viewed from our dinghy

Apolonia on mooring buoy

31 January 2017

Up to clouds but the forecast said sun was coming soon. We were underway by 9 AM for Treasure Cay, an 18
nautical mile trip. Beautiful weather and easy travel we tied up at Treasure Cay by 11:30 AM. Lunch at the
beach Tiki bar, then relaxing on board. At 6 PM we went to the beach for a bar-b-que and bon-fire on the beach.
Good food. Back on board after dinner, the 6 of us played
Farkle. Great fun.